Nathan Jones set to enter free agent market again to further bolster Charlton Athletic squad

Charlton boss Nathan Jones has revealed he is set to add another free agent to his ranks following the arrival of Connor Wickham this week.

Former Brighton and Luton winger Kazenga LuaLua has been training with the South Londoners at Sparrows Lane.

The 33-year-old worked with Jones at each of those former clubs before spending the last three years abroad in Turkey and Greece.

Wickham made his Charlton debut off the bench during today’s 3-2 win over Carlisle United at The Valley after signing a short-term deal that runs until the end of April.

Former Addick Tariqe Fosu is also unattached and may be looked at by the South Londoners.

When asked if he is looking to further bolster his ranks, Jones admitted: “We will. We might have an announcement, we’re just waiting for clearance.

“We’ve got an exciting one coming up. It’s someone I know very, very well and we should have more news for you next week.

“We want more balance in the team. The squad needs to be trimmed and streamlined. We need to add different things. We’ve got a lot of pace and power in it. I want to add more balance and that might mean a target man, it might mean wide men. It might mean different things in the team.

“We’ve shown that we can compete. We’re in real good form. They want to play for this club. That’s the great thing. We’ve got players who have taken stuff on board. We can get better. I’m glad we can still get better. We’re still winning games but we can get better. The future is bright.”

Wickham featured for the final 20 minutes against the Cumbrians – his flick on leading to an error from former Charlton defender Sam Lavelle for the third Addicks goal. The forward also mistimed an acrobatic overhead effort at goal.

Asked what Wickham will bring for the rest of the campaign, Jones quipped: “Hopefully not them bicycle kicks!”

“But apart from that, you can see what we’ve got is pace, energy, real energy in the team and running ability and cleverness. What we lack a little bit without Chuks [Aneke] is a presence that we can go into, and he can get us up the pitch. He brings that. With Chuks at the minute we have to be careful with him so it was a logical one. Connor has come in, trained really well and fitted in with the group. Proved that he is worth his contract.

“We know Chuks’ situation. We have to get more out of Chuks. I don’t want it to be about Chuks all the time because we’re winning games without Chuks Aneke. It’s not about Chuks Aneke, it’s about Charlton Athletic and the players we have available. When people get injured it gives others opportunities. We’ve got strikers that are flying. Daniel Kanu is 19 years of age and flying. Alfie May is back to his best. 20 goals now in the league. Let’s not make it about one person. We’re bringing people in. We’re developing a way and system of playing. Everyone is giving me absolutely everything.”

PHOTS: KYLE ANDREWS